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"Before I Retire...": Rashid Khan Admits Longing To Play In Front Of 'Home Crowd'

Soumyajit Dutta

Rashid Khan [Source: @ahmedqureshi/X.com]Rashid Khan [Source: @ahmedqureshi/X.com]

Afghanistan's cricketing icon Rashid Khan has dazzled global audiences with his leg-spin mastery, becoming a T20 powerhouse for both his nation and franchise leagues. Despite worldwide acclaim, the 25-year-old deeply misses playing international cricket in his homeland, where he's celebrated as a national hero.

According to the Future Tours Program, West Indies and New Zealand are slated to tour Afghanistan early next year which is a potential landmark moment. However, Rashid remains cautiously optimistic given top teams' historical reluctance to visit due to security concerns.

Rashid Khan Reveals His Deep Longing Before His Retirement

Rashid Khan was somewhat pessimistic in his thoughts for a game being scheduled in Afghanistan. However, he wishes to play a cricket match in Afghanistan.

"That's in FTP for now. But when the time comes, it’s only then you will know whether it’s happening. There have been so many games scheduled in Afghanistan... but have never taken place. But hopefully it happens. It's good for cricket and good for Afghanistan," Rashid told The National during a Dubai event.

Rashid Khan revealed his profound personal longing to play in front of his home crowd in Afghanistan since the turmoil with the Taliban acquisition.

"Well, if it eventually happens, that will be a kind of dream to play international cricket in Afghanistan. I hope that comes before I retire from the sport. That's something which I dream of – playing in front of my home crowd. So, hopefully, that happens in the future.” Rashid added.

Notably, international cricket remains exiled from Afghanistan due to political instability and restrictions on women's cricket under Taliban rule. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's upcoming engagements include a T20 series in Pakistan ahead of September's Asia Cup, likely in UAE where Afghanistan holds a "destination support" agreement.